Lupinus plant named ‘Manhattan Lights’

ABSTRACT

‘Manhattan Lights’ is a new variety of  Lupinus  hybrid that exhibits numerous and large-shaped burgundy and yellow-colored flowers.

Botanical classification: Lupinus hybrid.

Varietal denomination: ‘Manhattan Lights’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Lupinushybrid known by the varietal name ‘Manhattan Lights’. The new varietywas developed in Great Britain. The new variety is a result of crossbreeding Russell Hybrid Lupinus Seedling #WCL 013/96 (female parent)(unpatented) and an unknown Lupinus male parent (unpatented). Thepurpose of the breeding program was to develop a cultivar that exhibitedimproved color, habit, and bloom form from other Lupinus varieties knownto the breeder. The new variety is similar in growth habit to its femaleparent, but differs in flower color. The new variety differs fromLupinus hybrid ‘The Governor’ in flower color, closeness of flowers onspike, and growth habit. The new variety was first asexually reproducedby basal cuttings/tissue culture in Great Britain. The new variety hasbeen trial and field tested and has been found to retain its distinctivecharacteristics and remain true to type through successive asexualpropagations. Characteristics that distinguish the new variety fromothers known to the breeder include:

-   -   • Clear and intense flower color;    -   • Flower form — the individual bells are packed closely on the        flower spike;    -   • Large individual bells; and    -   • Vigorous growth habit.

The new variety was grown in open soil with additional organicfertilizer applied. The new variety initiates and develops roots in 21days at 15° C. A finished and flowering plant is produced in 36 weeks ina 21 cm container. The new variety exhibits sparse, but thick roots,that exhibit some branching.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the new variety, withthe color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrationsof this type:

FIG. 1 is a photographic image of multiple plants of the new variety;

FIG. 2 is a close-up photographic image of multiple plants of the newvariety;

FIG. 3 is a close-up photograph of both surfaces of the leaves of thenew variety; and

FIG. 4 is a close-up image of the petals of the new variety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the1 year old new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristicswere collected by asexual reproductions carried out in Great Britain.The color readings were taken outside under natural daylight. Colorreferences are primarily to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of the RoyalHorticultural Society of London.

PLANT

-   Form: Mounded and symmetrical.-   Stem:    -   -   Diameter.—17 mm.        -   Color.—144A, flushed with 70A to 71A.        -   Texture.—Slightly hirsute, smooth with longitudinal ridges.        -   Pubescence.—Slight to medium.-   Height: 95 cm.-   Vigor: Good.-   Branching habit: Medium.-   Lateral branches:    -   -   Diameter.—11 mm.        -   Internode length.—5 cm.        -   Texture.—Lightly hirsute, smooth with longitudinal ridges.        -   Pubescence.—Present.        -   Color.—144A, flushed with 70A to 71A.-   Foliage:    -   -   Arrangement.—Ascending spiral.        -   Length of leaf stalk.—Basal foliage: 25 cm. Stem foliage: 18            cm.        -   Size of leaf (overall).—Length: 17 cm. Width: 16 cm.        -   Leaflets.—Shape of leaflet: Oblanceolate. Number: 12. Width:            2.2 cm. Length: 8.2 cm. Shape of apex: Obtuse. Shape of            base: Cuneate. Texture: Smooth and velvety. Aspect:            Horizontal presentation. Margin type: Smooth; entire.            Pubescence: Upper surface: None present. Lower surface:            Slight. Color: Young leaflet: Upper surface: 137A with 187A            edged at the tip. Lower surface: 137B/C. Mature leaflet:            Upper surface: 137A with 187A suffused at the tip. Lower            surface: 137B/C. Petiole: Shape: Flattened and round.            Length: Basal leaf: 25 cm. Stem leaf: 18 cm. Diameter: 5 mm.            Color: 144A and suffused with 70B. Venation: Central;            mid-rib.

FLOWER

-   Bud (described when buds where just beginning to open):    -   -   Shape.—Napiform.        -   Diameter.—9 mm.        -   Length.—16 mm.        -   Color.—160C/D.-   Natural flowering season: May through July in The Netherlands.-   Flower type and habit: Spike.    -   -   Number of flowers per spike.—196.        -   Length of spike.—50 cm.        -   Diameter of spike.—11.8 cm.-   Corolla:    -   -   Form.—Zygomorphic.        -   Petals.—Standard Petals: Number: 2 — fused. Length: 20 mm.            Width: 13 mm. Shape: Ovate. Aspect: Parallel to spike.            Margin: Smooth and entire. Wing Petals: Number: 2 — partly            fused. Length: 20 mm. Width: 12 mm. Shape: Ovoid to            kidney-shaped. Aspect: Tilted upward. Margin: Smooth and            entire. Keel Petals: Number: 2 — fused. Length: 18 mm.            Width: 8 mm. Shape: Lingulate. Aspect: Located within wing            petals and pointing upwards. Margin: Smooth and entire.            Texture and appearance: Smooth and satin-like. Color: When            opening: Upper surface: Standard petals: 9A/B, flushed with            71B/79B at the base of the throat. Wing petals: 71A. Lower            surface: Standard petals: 9B/C. Wing petals: 79A/B. Fully            opened: Upper surface: Standard petals: 9A/B, flushed with            71B and 79B. Wing petals: 71A and 79A veins. Lower surface:            Standard petals: 9B/C. Wing petals: 79D.        -   Throat.—Color: 4D. Texture: Smooth and satin-like.-   Calyx:    -   -   Form.—Two unequal halves.        -   Length.—7 mm.        -   Diameter.—12 mm.        -   Sepal shape.—Elliptic.        -   Sepal margin.—Smooth and entire.        -   Sepal texture.—Smooth with slight pubescence.        -   Sepal size.—Length: 7 mm. Width: 4 mm.-   Sepal color:    -   -   Upper surface.—149B/C.        -   Lower surface.—149B/C.-   Fragrance: Slight.-   Disease resistance/susceptibility: Susceptible to powdery mildew.-   Temperature tolerance: Medium to good.-   Lasting quality: Medium to good.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Stamens:    -   -   Number (per flower).—There are two groups. A first group            with 6 stamens and a second group with 4 stamens.        -   Filaments.—Length: First group: 4 mm. Second group: 8 mm.            Fused: Yes.        -   Anthers.—Shape: First group: Pencil-like. Second group:            Arrow-like. Length: First group: 2 mm. Second group: 1 mm.            Color: First group: 169B. Second group: 25A/B.        -   Pollen.—Color: 25A/B. Amount: Good.-   Pistils:    -   -   Length.—12 mm.        -   Style.—Length: 12 mm. Color: 150C.        -   Stigma.—Shape: Spherical. Color: 150C.-   Seed/Fruit production:    -   -   Description of conditions when produced.—Produced freely.        -   Color.—165A.        -   Size.—1.0 mm.        -   Number.—Approximately 2000 per plant.

1. A new and distinct variety of Lupinus hybrid plant named ‘ManhattanLights’ as is herein described and illustrated.